An article in the Telegraph claims that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the Covid-19 coronavirus may be spreading via banknotes, and that the WHO had warned people to wash their hands after using banknotes.

The Telegraph article quotes a WHO spokesperson as saying, in reply to a question about whether banknotes could be spreading the new coronavirus: “Yes it’s possible and it’s a good question. We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses ... when possible it’s a good idea to use contactless payments”.

We don’t doubt that the Telegraph’s report is an accurate account of the conversation, but the WHO have since clarified to Full Fact that this did not amount to an official warning about banknotes.

Their current official advice, received in an email to Full Fact, is below.

“Prevention starts with 10 basic things you can do:

Clean your hands regularly with an alcohol-based hand rub, or wash them with soap and water;

Clean surfaces regularly with disinfectant – for example kitchen benches and work desks;

Avoid traveling if you have a fever or cough, and if you become sick while on a flight, inform the crew immediately. Once you get home, make contact with a health professional and tell them about where you have been;

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or use a tissue. Dispose of the tissue immediately into a closed rubbish bin, and then clean your hands;

take extra precautions to avoid crowded areas if you are over 60 years old, or if you have an underlying condition;

If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional;

If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, use different utensils and cutlery to eat;

If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately;

It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country or community that has been affected.

Find out what you can do in your community. Discuss how to stay safe with your workplace, school or place of worship.”

We have also written about what to do to avoid infection by Covid-19 here. The latest NHS guidance can be found here.

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Covid-19 crisis: we need your help to protect us all from bad information

You’ve probably seen a surge in misleading and unsubstantiated medical advice since the Covid-19 outbreak. If followed, it can put lives at serious risk. We need your help to protect us all from false and harmful information.

We’ve seen people claiming to be health professionals, family members, and even the government – offering dangerous tips like drinking warm water or gargling to prevent infection. Neither of these will work.

The longer claims like these go unchecked, the more they are repeated and believed. It can put people’s health at serious risk, when our services are already under pressure.

Today, you have the opportunity to help save lives. Good information about Covid-19 could be the difference between someone taking the right precautions to protect themselves and their families, or not.

Could you help protect us all from false and harmful information today?